HOUSTON (CBS Houston) A Houston-area man who described himself as a “monster” has been sentenced to 45 years in prison in a child pornography investigation.

On Thursday, a federal judge sentenced 37-year-old D.J. Christopher Lowe, who pleaded guilty to possession, distribution and production of child pornography back in 2001; during his illegal operations, Lowe reportedly exploited six children, including a toddler.

According to prosecutors, Lowe spoke at the court hearing and referred to himself as a “monster” because of his actions.

Lowe’s activities were revealed after an investigation that connected him to online chats and images involving a man in Italy. Lowe’s home was then raided in August 2010. More than 17,000 images on a computer and hundreds of videos of child pornography were confiscated from his home by authorities.